China a Development Miracle

Abstract This paper focuses on the development of China’s Economy. It discusses the transformations that China experienced to move forward and become the world’s fastest growing economy. China’s development occurred mainly because they began to focus on manufacturing and exporting. Growth also occurred due to borrowing technology and the skilled and cheap labor force. INTRODUCTION A Development Miracle China China, officially know as The Peoples Republic of China, is the world’s most populous country with a population of over 1. billion people. The capital of China is Beijing and the president is Hua Jinato. China currently has the world’s fastest developing economy, and it is estimated that from 1978 to 2008 China has grown at a constant rate of approximately 9% a year. In the year 2008, GDP per capita was five times the amount than it was in the year 1978. The People’s Republic of China is also responsible for the most dramatic reduction in poverty, from 53% in the year 1981 to 8% in 2001; about 400 million fewer people are living in extreme poverty(TODARO 2012).This growth miracle has occurred due to the transformation into a market-oriented economy and also as a result of improving their technology. BODY There have been many speculations as to how China has developed at such a rapid rate and also many conclusions. The case of China is one that is very interesting as there is no particular school of thought or specific development policy that is responsible for rapid growth but rather a combination.China is a very good example of how policies that implement trade, markets and globalization are highly beneficial as manufactured exports are China’s primary area of focus. Since the 1980’s when china began its transformation into a market-oriented economy it was a very poor country with a per capita income of US $182 and a trade dependence ratio of 11. 2 %; since then China has mad a dramatic transformation . China now has a per capita GDP of US $3,688 and in the year 2009 China became the world’s second largest economy and also the world’s largest exporter of merchandise (LIN 008). Prior to the 1980’s China’s economy was very traditional; only after the liberalization reforms and cultural counter- revolution in the late 1970’s under Deng Xiaoping we begin to see improvement in China’s economy. Rapid growth began in 1980 due to rural township and village enterprises, which had quasi- cooperative and quasi- municipally, owned character. China’s ability to reform its economy very rapidly to become more efficient has also been one of the key factors responsible for rapid growth.As the industrial revolution began, the catalyst occurred that transformed China from an agrarian society where over 80% of its labor force worked in traditional agriculture, into a society that focused on nonagricultural sectors and manufacturing (LIN 2010). Investo rs were first attracted to China as they had cheap labor, with high skills and good work habits for its low-income level. In the beginning the manufacturing sector was mainly labor-intensive but later with the introduction of advanced technology it became more capital- intensive.Since the 1980’s the service sector has dominated and this structural change has been constant. The manufacturing industry is what transformed China, due to external investors. The more producers located in China the greater the benefits for an increasing number of suppliers. Another advantage that China had over other developing nations was the ability to borrow technology. China did not have to invent technology or industries; they simply had to be innovators. The state was able to borrow technology, industries and institutions at low risks and costs from more advanced countries.Due to globalization and technological advance, there were more market incentives. These market incentives increased trade and GDP. Industrial policies that were implemented helped to ensure that exports of increasingly higher skill and technology content. Accompanying this change in the industrial structure was an increase in the scale of production, the required capital and skill, the market scope, and also the risks (LIN 2008). To be efficient the Chinese had to effectively use technology and labor to reduce the transaction costs.Some economist claim that the Chinese quasi-capitalism economic model is much more effective than that of the American Laissez- faire model, due to China’s extraordinary growth. However, a major source of China’s growth comes from an influx of capital and the mobilization of labor (THE ECONOMIST, 2009). As more capital, labor and technology is being added to any economy, there is sure to be growth. China’s economy continues to experience tremendous growth as a result of global consumers and also the worldwide demand for products.CONCLUSION An important question always asked is if whether of not other developing countries can follow China’s footsteps and experience massive growth. Each developing country differs from others but as long as they are capable of borrowing technology from more advanced countries, they will be able to advance their industries and experience growth. As long as resources such as capital, labor and technology are used effectively growth is sure to occur. There are many claims as to why China has seen massive economic growth and development.The main reason for China’s growth is due to its shift from a country focused on agriculture to one that is export-oriented and focused on manufacturing. Another important factor that assisted was the ability to borrow technology from other countries also helped to spark the industrial revolution, which lead to the transformation. China also developed as they had a skilled labor force with very good work habits for its low-income level. What occurred in Chin a is nothing short of a miracle however, as long as the proper policies are implemented at the right time, economic growth and development are sure to occur.References Todaro , P. & Smith, C. (2012). Economic Development. Eleventh Edition. Pearson enterprises. New York, city. Lin, J. (2010). China’s Mircale. Retrieved from: http://blogs. worldbank. org/africacan/china Lin, J. (2008). China’s Miracle Demystified. http://siteresources. worldbank. org/DEC/Resources/ChinaMiracleDemystified-Shanghai. pdf The Economist (2009). China’s Growth Miracle. Retrieved from: http://www. economist. com/blogs/freeexchange/2009/05/chinese_growth_miracle Centre for Policy and Development Systems (2012). China’s Growth: Assessing the Implications.

Art is life Essay

Art is life, it is beauty, it is emotion, it is you, it is me, it is everything. Art defines all that we are, and all that we could become. Art is of the past and of the future, of the influences of our daily lives, of our pasts combined with who we are today. Art is an indescribable joy, an expansion of the mind, body and soul. We are art, every last individual of the human race. Art comes in the form of music, dance, theater, painting, drawing, blowing, throwing, and even in the math equations or scientific experiments of the right brained population. Art is feeling, seeing, smelling, tasting and hearing. Art is here to titillate our senses, to create emotional and physical reactions to the viewer. Art is healing. Art is loving. Art is†¦ everything. The Value of Art After a distinctly self-contemplative night, I began to wonder what it is that attracts people to art. Certainly I consider myself an artist of sorts†¦ but what is it that makes me an artist? Why do I practice art? Why does anyone immerse themselves in abstract activities that, for the most part, do not add to financial security or other measurable values? We know that art has been around before written language. Ancient carvings and cave-wall paintings attest to an early drive to participate in artistic endeavors. I would say that our skills as artists have improved since the first cave paintings†¦ but I think there must be the same seed of creativity that connects long forgotten ancestors and modern artists. I think that the most obvious similarity is that dedicated artists tend to create art that reflects important aspects of their lives. When it comes to ancient man, what could have been more important than food and reproduction? Ancient art is ripe with images of hunting and pregnant women. As human society evolved into more stable communities, the art changed. Over time the focus on survival was supplanted with self-emulation. In ancient Egypt, for example, the art turned to worshipping the value of great kings and all-powerful gods. The same happened in most cultures. I doubt that common slaves of Egypt felt that preserving kingly honor for eternity was a motivating factor; slaves probably would have produced an entirely different art than what we  find in tombs had they the resources to create art. What is telling is that the art that survived from ancient times reflects directly the values of the people producing and preserving it: in terms of Egypt†¦ it was of the Pharaohs. European Medieval art reflects a mixture of pagan and Christian ideals. We can deduce that local kings whose roots were largely pagan mixed with the influence of Rome. The artistic work commissioned throughout this time is a constant reminder of those influences. Take this on up to our own time. An important note to take is that as the traditional religious values of historic importance in the west have been challenged in intellectual circles, the focus of art has strayed. Prehistoric art was focused on life and death†¦ ancient art turned to the afterlife and mysticism; modern art has no focus. I am confident that mass media and the internet have a large role in the change†¦ perhaps we are still too early in the new era to be able to define the motivating factor behind the art that will last; but I feel that the reality is that art has no focus in our age because it is not the secluded craft of the gifted and appointed.

Progressive Discipline †Employee/Labor Relations Essay

Discipline within the workplace is and has been a controversial subject. With so much at stake, employers and employees have different opinions on types of discipline and the effectiveness of these processes. One largely debated form of workplace discipline is progressive discipline. Should employees be encouraged to rehabilitate in the workplace? Should management be protected against legal action if they are to terminate an employee for unacceptable performance or behavior? There are many different situation and answers to these questions. Progressive discipline has become standard in unionized environments, and is becoming more common in other settings, such as government, hospitals, and high-school classrooms. ((Pinker, S, 2010) Progressive discipline is practice of establishing a series of steps of escalating seriousness and cumulating in the major (termination). (Dad, D., 2011) Within these boundaries lie other steps that are used with progressive discipline. These steps usuall y include a verbal warning, a written warning with increasing punishment, and a suspension-most likely without pay. The idea of this type of discipline is to give the employee ample opportunity to turn problems around. (Dad, D. 2011) Discipline within the workplace can take place for a number of reasons, and there are times where discipline is appropriate and inappropriate for certain wrongdoing. Infractions of company policy, tardiness, misbehavior, and other misdemeanors are examples of where the use of progressive discipline can be justified. There also may be instances where discipline is not appropriate; arbitrators have drawn a distinction between voluntary and involuntary unacceptable behavior on part of the employee. (Eden, G., 1992) If an employee’s infraction is due to a lack of their personal skills or knowledge, other forms of discipline can be recommended. Also, if the behavior is so serious that it is grounds for immediate dismissal, progressive discipline may not be required. A progressive disciplinary approach combines the concept of stiffer penalties for more serious violations with that of increasingly more serious penalties for recidivism. (Billikopf, G., 2006) When applying a progressive disciplinary approach, there are rules that should be followed to be sure the steps are applied and the treatment is fair. The first thing a manager should consider is that communication is key. There needs to be sure that there is certain understanding between the person applying the rules and the person who is subject to them. The manager should explain the infraction and follow it with a clear statement of the expected behavior. Also, there should be justification of what the next step in the process will be as far as discipline if the violation is repeated. Managers can use the seven steps of just cause to be sure a proposed disciplinary action if firmly and fairly grounded. (Seven Steps of Just Cause, 2007) The University of Iowa lists these steps as: Notice, Re asonable Rules and Orders, Investigation, Fair Investigation, Proof, Equal Treatment, and Penalty. An employee must be able to easily access the rules and regulation of conduct that is expected of them and they should also be periodically reminded of them. Sometimes, this can result in a need for re-orientation, sign copies of receipts of the Employee Handbook, and/or coaching from management. Training is a better approach than taking punitive steps. One reason is that Courts expect employers to â€Å"meet people halfway†. Offering employees ways to improve via training not only helps them to correct the problem, but it also shows that the company is a responsible employer that is willing to rehabilitate. (Falcone, P., 2000) Notice is the first and one of the most important steps of progressive discipline. If an employee is not clear on what is expected, how can they be required to produce the optimal results? Management will need to be certain that they are applying reasonable rules and orders. They should check with the collective bargaining units to make sure they are not in violation of any agreements. Also, they want to make sure they apply these rules consistently and make sure they are related to the necessity of the business. (The Seven Steps of Just Cause, 2007) When a manager deems that a behavior in unacceptable or inappropriate, they should conduct an investigation. This can give the manager time to express their concerns and also give the employee time to respond. Sometimes, an employee may not be aware that their behavior is unacceptable or their performance is not meeting expectations. The investigation can ease the process. It gives the manager time to explain the concerns and give the employee a specific time frame to deliver results. Having an unbiased investigation can sometimes correct an issue before other or any disciplinary actions are needed. Once the employee is aware of the undesirable behavior, the manager can then start to consider all evidence, p ro and con, and continue to conduct a thorough investigation. Investigations should be timely and occur before discipline is imposed. (Seven Steps, 2007) Also, an employee has a right to have union representation or to have another employee present during the investigation. The manager needs to be sure that they make the employee aware of this. In the United States, such an opportunity to request the presence of a co-worker is based on the Weingarten case. The National Labor Relation Board (NLRB) has determined that an employee’s request for a co-worker to be present involves protected concerted activity, and thus should be extended to all employees, even those not covered by a collective bargaining unit. (Billikopf, G., 2006) When disciplinary action is to be imposed on an employee, there needs to be substantial proof that a violation was committed; the more serious the infraction, the larger the burden of proof. When an employee is accused of improper behavior that could lead to dismissal, embarrassment, or criminal prosecution, a fals e accusation could put the manager in a bad position. If someone will be disciplined or terminated for dishonesty, theft, sexual harassment, assault, threats of violence, or working under the conditions of drugs or alcohol, management needs to be certain of the employees’ guilt. (Billikopf, G., 2006) The company and manager need to be aware of the policies and be sure that they are exercising equal treatment of employees when applying progressive discipline. The rules need to be applied even-handedly, justly, and without discrimination. (Seven Steps, 2007) Although there are not many instances where the violations of one employee are identical to another’s, management must take into consideration the severity of the infraction, the previous history of the employee, the employees’ attitude, and the mitigating circumstances. (Billikopf, G., 2006) Sometimes managers can find it easier to apply rules evenly if they discuss the instances with each other. Privacy should remain a main concern when discussing and manager sh ould use concealment and modification when communicating about employees. The last of the seven steps of just cause is the application of penalty. Penalties must remain fair, not arbitrary or capricious or based on emotion. (Seven Steps, 2007) When deciding on a penalty to implement, there should be a few factors taken into consideration. The use of progressive discipline includes the increased severity of recurring actions, so the prior use of this type of discipline on the employee should play a large factor in how a penalty is applied. The person applying the rules should be aware of the employee’s length of service and prior infractions and factor those into their considerations. A study done by Janice Beyer of State University of New York at Buffalo and Harrison Trice of Cornell University stated: Data from two samples of supervisors in a large corporation show that (1) supervisors used discipline primarily as a response to certain behaviors and when the work context was supportive of its use; and (2) use of discipline had small but significant effects on the subsequent work performance of target employees. The study took into account different dependant and independent variables such as employee age, characteristics, social settings, supervisor age, education, and ideologies. The results showed that most supervisors in the samples used some form of discipline to deal with employees they considered difficult. Over 95 percent had at least one informal discussion with the problem employees. The great majority-76 percent- used both constructive and confrontive topics in these discussions. (Beyer, J. M., & Trice, H. M., 1984) Written warnings were used in 49 percent of cases. Even suspensions without pay were used quite frequently; 27 percent of these problem employees had been suspended, for an average of about 4 days. Discharge was used with only 3 percent of the cases, but another 7 percent of these employees left the company. Clearly, despite the strong international unions that represented most of these employees in these companies, it is possible to get rid of some disruptive employees. (Beyer, J. M., & Trice, H. M., 1984) WORKS CITED Anonymous. (2005, May 11). WRONGFUL DISMISSAL: Progressive discipline needed to terminate for cumulative misconduct. Canadian Employment Law Today, (437), 3421-3424. Retrieved from ProQuest database. (212227123) Bank’s Failure to Follow Progressive Discipline Justified in Light of Clear Policy; No Disparate Treatment. (2007, June 1). Fair Employment Practice Guidelines, (625), 4-5. Retrieved from Business Source Complete database. (25537303) Beyer, J. M., & Trice, H. M. (1984, December). A Field Study of the Use and Perceived Effects of Discipline in Controlling Work Performance. The Academy of Management Journal, 27(4), 743-764. Retrieved from http://links.jstor.org/sici=0001-4273%28198412%2727%3A4%3C743%3AAFSOTU%E2.0.CO%3B2-R Billikopf, G. (2006, August 11). Discipline and Termination: Labor Management in Ag. Dad, D. (2011, March 16). Progressive Discipline and the tenure clock. Eden, G. (1992). An Oxymoron? Les Presses de l’Universite Laval, 47(3), 511-524. Falcone, Paul. (2000) A blueprint for progressive discipline and terminations. HR Focus. 77(8), 3. Paul Berube v. Great Atlantic and Pacific Tea Company, Inc., No. 08-1229-cv (2d Cir. Oct. 15, 2009), http://www.legale.com. Pinker, S. (2010, February 27). The Great Discipline Dilemma. The Globe and Mail, p. b.17. Retrieved from ProQuest database. (382583397) Progressive Discipline Steps. (2007, August 9). Employee and Labor Relations. Retrieved from Office of the Vice President for Research website: http://www.uiowa.edu The Seven Steps of Just Cause. (2007, February 28). Employee and Labor Relations. Retrieved from Office of the Vice President for Research website: http://www.uiowa.edu Wright, T. (2006, January 23). Fired Worker can sue employer for not following discipline policy. Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly.

Sustainable Tourism with Antalya Personal Statement

Sustainable Tourism with Antalya - Personal Statement Example The poor environmental management programmes that cause heavy damage to the natural resources are other set of issues that was brought to my focus following a review of literature and analyzing other articles on tourism. Further, a total refinement of the research took place after a discussion with my tutor who helped to stretch my imagination and comprehension. The basic approach suggested to me was to have a clear understanding about the term "sustainable development". I was asked to have a thorough analysis of book edited by Brundland that narrated what sustainable development should represent. This book, which turned out be the corner stone for all sustainable development practices across the globe, had given much needed impetus into the research process. This helped to identify the more specific aspect of the research like the impact on the socio-economic, cultural and ecological issues in the region of the study with respect to the tourism development. The reflective learning p rocess that I had with the tutor on the research process design was the important factor that contributed to the successful completion of the research activity. The research process undertaken has given a variety of learning experience besides the success that was achieved in the attaining the project objective. It varied from the realization of own capabilities, the approaches to improve my own information level, understanding the role of secondary sources for improving our conceptual understanding and equipping me to draw appropriate inferences and conclusion from any process. The research on Sustainable Development of Antalya had given me an opportunity to experience all aspect of cognitive - transformative learning and also learning from reflection (Moon, 6-7). The initial idea that I had from the intuition and imagination was the basis of the process. Though I was trying to design various courses of action in this manner, it was soon realized that that inadequate information levels caused severe problems on the design of the research structure. This was eliminated when I had discussion with the tutor and the reflection that I received from him changed the perception of the approach. It gave me more insight to the preparation of the initial road map for the entire process. Further, I soon realized that most of the interfaces that I would have made with the initial set of observation would have been more on my judgment rather than on real aspect of the fact. Similar set of experiences was also reported in the study related to the learning experience of medical students. It is reported that students who were more involved with the reflection based learning showed marked improvement in their learning skills (Andrew, 391-391, Yokawa, 44-49). Thus the reflective learning has helped me to understand the role of realty, values and action in the process of making judgments. The deep learning from discussion and experience from the other was another major learning experience that I had through this research. The importance of understanding the basis of any sustainable tourism initiatives was obtained from enquiry into reported literature on the theories proposed. Thus need for careful observation into the facts that are needed to supplement our observation and the importance

The film - Crash Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

The film - Crash - Essay Example She tells her husband than as soon as he finishes, he will sell the keys from their house to his fellow gang member and they will be in even greater danger. While this example is somewhat similar to the one which was previously analyzed, it is also essentially different. While racial profiling may be seen nothing but an improper attitude towards a person, xenophobia makes the latter dangerous in the perception of the majority. The locksmith was simply doing his job: something that the residents of the house were not able to do themselves, but he was insulted and thought to have brought potential risk. In other words, he was considered dangerous only because he represented a different culture in various aspects. Finally, there is one more seen which is able to present one of the dimensions of racism. The already mentioned character, Farhad, owned a shop, but there was a problem with a backdoor. He did not fix it, hoping that criminals will not notice it. One day he finds his shop in r uins: some people did not simply vandalize it but left offensive graffiti calling the owners Arabs. At a certain point, the wife of Farhad tried to clean graffiti exclaimed: â€Å"When did Persians become Arabs?† This scene depicts a phenomenon that is called the hate crime. Indeed, the criminals caused a considerable amount of damage to the shop and probably took the money, but their attack was racially motivated. They wanted to state that they choose the shop because it was owned by the alleged Arabs who are not welcome in the community.

What Factors did Account for South Africas 1994 Transition to Essay

What Factors did Account for South Africas 1994 Transition to Democracy - Essay Example This period was associated with racial, social, political and economic segregation which led to apartheid. On February 2nd 1990, President FW Clerk released a speech that hinted to a decisive moment in South Africa’s struggle for democracy (Decalo 7-35)1. The day is highly regarded by many South Africans as it marked the commissioning of the release of Nelson Mandela (11th of February) and other detainees who had been arrested in the process of the struggle. This paved way for open negotiations. South Africa had been going through long struggles for democracy in a sub-society that chiefly consisted of whites at the helm of leadership and power and non-white sub-society with little or no influence in governance matters. Factors that led to the transition in South Africa can be classified as both internal and external. In his book, Coups and Army Rule in Africa: Motivations and Constraints, Samuel Decalo, argues that the transitions that led to democratization in South Africa we re majorly internal. The democratic changes that occurred in SA are also linked to international factors. According to Sola Akinrinade and Amadu Sesay in their book Africa in the Post-Cold War International System (eds.) the external factor that influenced transition in South Africa includes democratization in Eastern Europe and the End of Cold War. ... The limited freedom of expression saw most opposition parties denied access to the media when conducting their political functions. The media content was normally dominated by news on the authoritarian governments. This had to be curbed with revolution being the only effective tool (Decalo 20).4 Another factor suggested by Decalo is the institutional factor (25-35).5 Most of the dynamics that characterized the negotiations were institutionalized in the post apartheid period. This led to a significant stability and consolidation of democracy. The rules, norms, formal and informal principles were widely accepted by the majority making the transition process possible. According to Decalo, the most crucial dynamic that underwent institutionalization is constitutionalism whereby all political groupings and civil organizations accepted the rule of law. The democratic changes that occurred in SA are also linked to international factors. According to Sola Akinrinade and Amadu Sesay in their book Africa in the Post-Cold War International System (eds.) the external factor that influenced transition in South Africa includes democratization in Eastern Europe and the End of Cold War. The end of World War II saw a rise in global political struggle for power between the United States and its associates from the West, and the Soviet Union and the Warsaw Pact, allies of the Soviet Union in Eastern Europe (Akinrinade & Sesay, 92-128).6 According to Akinrinade and Sesay (1998), the Eastern Europe group had less developed governments democratically and in the 1980s, the Soviet Union and its Eastern Europe allies went through vigorous democratic transitions, a period that also saw East and South East Asian countries leave

Information Systems Project ,, application design Research Proposal

Information Systems Project ,, application design - Research Proposal Example Following these needs, it is paramount that businesses and non-business establishments to develop technical solutions aimed at meeting customer needs at all times. Hence, this is a research proposal which seeks to authenticate the validity of developing web-based mobile application whose purpose is to ensure customers are able to follow up events that matter to them such as the schedule of favorite movie at the cinema, where to buy tickets for major sporting events, and finding business establishments such as supermarkets, medical facilities, and grocery stores through the use of an integrated map and navigation tools. The need for faster service delivery is a universal business consideration that take into account the need for better time management. Based on this need, a proposal for the development of a website that intends to serve specific customer requirements such as navigating through busy streets to access services such as therapists, dentists, restaurants, and restaurant menus developed to facilitate better time management and self-efficiency for customers from all around the City of Riyadh. The functionality of the website, which will have the potential of being ported into a mobile application will take into consideration the aspect of navigation through real-time city maps showing categories of establishments meeting a customer’s needs. The project’s aim will be to integrate the concept of shared local experience targeting Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, customers such that business establishments and the customers are connected through a virtual network facilitating better time management, flawless navigation through busy city streets, accounting for clicks per page for businesses that will integrate their services and product offers to the proposed website and subsequent mobile application. The mobile application development will take into consideration the most popular mobile operating systems